Monday, December 7, 2009

From Sunshine Coast to Surfer's Paradise

Trust me, had I been a twenty year old blushing bride being asked for my opinion on the perfect honeymoon destination by an adoring , well heeled groom, I would have coyly said, "Why not the Gold Coast in Australia, ji?" Truly, it is a one stop destination for those who have time, money and romance on their minds. Adventure, too. Surfer's Paradise is fantastic even for people who don't surf. After a hot , muggy day at the Australian Zoo which could as easily be renamed the Steve Irwin 'shrine' ( don't know what else to call it... though Crickey sounds good), I thought the heat would get me, and get me good. I had said hello to DJ,the great big rhino, and patted several koalas, fed a couple of kangaroos, met the Bengal tigers, stroked the Indian elephants and generally bonded with assorted beasts and birds, I was ready to attack something more human. But not before appreciating the animal hospital which lovingly takes care of sick giraffes and dying owls. The zoo, will soon see an expansion with nearly 200 additional acres to accommodate new arrivals. Meanwhile, Steve Irwin's friendly ghost oversees all operations,along with wife Terry and with Bindi , his daughter, as the star performer in all promotional videos.

Oh well... here I am on the 41st floor of Q1, which is the Gold Coast's latest showpiece. The bar on the 77th floor can be reached in 43 seconds, and my ears were popping by the time we reached it to catch the spectacular sunset. I saw quite a few Japanese honeymooners and once again thought of Bunty and Babli having a great time here. The smart manager told me this was the place to be in on New Year's eve - on top of the world, with fireworks lighting up the magnificent coast line and a live band playing to the local champagne set. Sure. At $90 it is a far cheaper option to any comparable place in Mumbai\Delhi.

The long , hot day ended at a restaurant on the Marina Mirage complex, called Omeros Bros - old fashioned, classy and honest with customers. Forget the prawns tonight, said our attentive waiter, stick to the snapper. Good decision. More tomorrow...

Oh my, this is the dream trip indeed!... Your travelogue is enthralling. Please steer clear of beaches; I'm the ocean... I heard about a jelly fish (is it jelly fish?)in Australian waters that is venomous...

Great blog! I love your writing. Probably I am not the only one who says that. I have been a huge fan of yours for years. I did not read so much of your fiction but read articles and became a fan of your Selective Memory. I was disappointed that you did not name your daughter Mrinalini!

Anway, I also wrote a letter to you and sent it to I guess Penguin because I did not have your address. I wrote in the letter how much I liked the dynamicity with which you made decisions regarding family and career. And how proud I was that you are a Maharastrian. I do not remember all the details. It was a long time ago. And I might also have written things that might not make sense now but probably made then when I was probably 20 or so. I don't think you ever received it.

I moved to the US about 7 years ago. I chose to tread on a road less traveled. You were one of the people who really inspired me to follow my heart and do what I really enjoy. So thanks for being that inspiration. I read anything I could read written by you and what I found on the net after coming here. You make characters come alive. You write with love and with ferocity when issues demand that of you. I love that about your writing.

I have started writing a blog a little while ago. Just about life's different experiences. I do not know if you will have time at all but do check it out when you get a chance and may be mentor me if possible? Here is the link:http://mrinalini-gadkari.blogspot.com/

your travellogues are really worth reading having micro details of all things. u wished to be of 20 yrs bride to enjoy honeymoon at gold coast. U can enjoy honeymoon at any age till u feel young and energetic for sex. Truelly speaking u still look sexy at your age. Feel yourself of 20yrs and enjoy honeymoon with your hubby at all beautiful coasts of world. my good wishes to u.

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